I've been getting visits from Bumbus via random events at least once every two weeks for a while now, so I've been trying to get into the Blue Building. My only problem is the forum posts requirement--I don't usually have anything to say except when I've got a question or three (like now). Does anyone know if it only counts threads that I've started, or if joining another thread would also count towards the requirement?

Also, am I the only one confused that the Iron Fireside Lantern has to be used to unlock a battle opponent (in this case, Cursed Effigy, the Tormented) that also drops the item used to unlock it? It feels like circular logic, and it's hurting my head trying to figure out what the point is. (Buy one, whup the angry spirit that comes out, get one for free?)

as far as I know, starting topics doesn't up your post count, but replying (like I am now) does. it's not in every forum, however. for example, if you take part in a "kiss the user above" or "dance with the user above" during holidays, any time you claim in the topic has no effect on your post count. I don't know the complete list of which forums count and which don't, though. hopefully someone else can help you out with that!

The lantern disappears when you use it, so when you beat the challenger, you get the item back :) Does that make sense? ^__^;

whupping the angry spirit that comes out is rather difficult.

As for what to talk about, what part of Subeta amuses you the most? Go there and say something. Topic "I like purple clothes, who does too?" OP "does anyone know a decent purple wig" sounds to me like a perfectly good thing to talk about in Human Avatars f'rinstance.

As for the Bumbu summons, it's a random event for a quest that's good for creating a Bumbus out of a pet you already have. If you don't want a Bumbus, you don't need to worry about it. Even if you do, the summons lasts forever, it doesn't wear out, so you can take your time.

Further to what said, posts on the welcome forum and user games don't count toward your total. There may be more, but those are the ones I know for sure. Just make a note of your post count, then when you post in various forums, see if the count went up or not.

No idea how to do links, so... To pumpkins: I suppose that makes sense-it comes out of the lantern, and obtaining another lantern from defeat would be like it returning to the lantern. I think. To zephros, Solsticesprite, and Lypsyl: thanks for the info, and thanks to Solsticesprite for the ideas. I suppose I'm just not used to talking, being a hermit online and off. .....Now what? Lock, or something?..... Not sure what to do, even though I post more on this site than on all the others I frequent combined.

The lantern is a weapon so it's like...beating the challenger gives you it back to use in the future as a reward. :P Also, you can ping people by putting an @ symbol before their username as we have done to you. :)

to link someone's username is called a ping, and it is created by either clicking the first of three icons in the upper right of their post (right next to the word balloon and the report this post icon) or by typing the @ (shift+2) followed by their username, making sure to substitute _ for blanks and certain other symbols if they have them. You will notice that the first post in any thread also has a heart, this is how you subscribe.

As for hermitage, I've done field work in various remote locations, and everyone eventually learns to talk to you once they get to know you...sometimes too much! You'll be talking to us all in no time. Just tell yourself that each post you make earns you some sP (this is true).

I'm on this also, going to take a while lol